Longitudinally Flexible Expandable Stent

ABSTRACT

In at least one embodiment, a stent comprises a plurality of serpentine bands and a plurality of connector columns. Each serpentine band comprises a plurality of alternating straight band struts and turns. Adjacent serpentine bands are connected across a connector column by a plurality of connector struts. Each connector strut is connected at one end to a turn of one serpentine band and connected at the other end to a turn of another serpentine band. The turns of a serpentine band comprise connected turns that connect to a connector strut and unconnected turns that do not connect to a connector strut. At least one serpentine band comprises a repeating pattern of three band struts and then five band struts extending between connected turns as the serpentine band is traversed. At least one serpentine band comprises a repeating pattern of three band struts and then one band strut extending between connected turns as the serpentine band is traversed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims priority to and is a Continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/781,031, filed Jul. 20, 2007 which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/519,552,filed Sep. 12, 2006, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

In some embodiments this invention relates to implantable medicaldevices, their manufacture, and methods of use.

2. Description of the Related Art

A stent is a medical device introduced to a body lumen and is well knownin the art. Typically, a stent is implanted in a blood vessel at thesite of a stenosis or aneurysm endoluminally, i.e. by so-called“minimally invasive techniques” in which the stent in a radially reducedconfiguration, optionally restrained in a radially compressedconfiguration by a sheath and/or catheter, is delivered by a stentdelivery system or “introducer” to the site where it is required. Theintroducer may enter the body from an access location outside the body,such as through the patient's skin, or by a “cut down” technique inwhich the entry blood vessel is exposed by minor surgical means.

Stents, grafts, stent-grafts, vena cava filters, expandable frameworks,and similar implantable medical devices, collectively referred tohereinafter as stents, are radially expandable endoprostheses which aretypically intravascular implants capable of being implantedtransluminally and enlarged radially after being introducedpercutaneously. Stents may be implanted in a variety of body lumens orvessels such as within the vascular system, urinary tracts, bile ducts,fallopian tubes, coronary vessels, secondary vessels, etc. Stents may beused to reinforce body vessels and to prevent restenosis followingangioplasty in the vascular system. They may be self-expanding, expandedby an internal radial force, such as when mounted on a balloon, or acombination of self-expanding and balloon expandable (hybridexpandable).

Stents may be created by methods including cutting or etching a designfrom a tubular stock, from a flat sheet which is cut or etched and whichis subsequently rolled or from one or more interwoven wires or braids.

The art referred to and/or described above is not intended to constitutean admission that any patent, publication or other information referredto herein is “prior art” with respect to this invention. In addition,this section should not be construed to mean that a search has been madeor that no other pertinent information as defined in 37 C.F.R. §1.56(a)exists.

All US patents and applications and all other published documentsmentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

Without limiting the scope of the invention a brief summary of some ofthe claimed embodiments of the invention is set forth below. Additionaldetails of the summarized embodiments of the invention and/or additionalembodiments of the invention may be found in the Detailed Description ofthe Invention below.

A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification isprovided as well only for the purposes of complying with 37 C.F.R. 1.72.The abstract is not intended to be used for interpreting the scope ofthe claims.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In at least one embodiment, a stent comprises a plurality of serpentinebands and a plurality of connector columns. Each serpentine bandcomprises a plurality of alternating straight band struts and turns.Adjacent serpentine bands are connected across a connector column by aplurality of connector struts. Each connector strut is connected at oneend to a turn of one serpentine band and connected at the other end to aturn of another serpentine band. The turns of a serpentine band compriseconnected turns that connect to a connector strut and unconnected turnsthat do not connect to a connector strut. At least one serpentine bandcomprises a repeating pattern of three band struts and then five bandstruts extending between connected turns as the serpentine band istraversed. At least one serpentine band comprises a repeating pattern ofthree band struts and then one band strut extending between connectedturns as the serpentine band is traversed.

In at least one embodiment, a stent comprises a plurality of serpentinebands and a plurality of connector columns Each serpentine bandcomprises a plurality of alternating straight band struts and turns.Adjacent serpentine bands are connected across a connector column by aplurality of connector struts. Each connector strut is connected at oneend to a turn of one serpentine band and connected at the other end to aturn of another serpentine band. The turns of a serpentine band compriseconnected turns that connect to a connector strut and unconnected turnsthat do not connect to a connector strut. At least one serpentine bandcomprises a repeating pattern of three band struts extending betweenconnected turns as the serpentine band is traversed. At least oneserpentine band comprises a repeating pattern of three band struts andthen one band strut extending between connected turns as the serpentineband is traversed.

These and other embodiments which characterize the invention are pointedout with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a parthereof. However, for further understanding of the invention, itsadvantages and objectives obtained by its use, reference should be madeto the drawings which form a further part hereof and the accompanyingdescriptive matter, in which there are illustrated and described furtherembodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

A detailed description of the invention is hereafter described withspecific reference being made to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a flat view of an embodiment of an unexpanded stentconfiguration.

FIG. 2 shows the pattern of FIG. 1 in a tubular, unexpanded stent.

FIG. 3 shows an expanded stent of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a flat view of an alternate unexpanded stent embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a flat pattern for another embodiment of a stent.

FIG. 6 shows a three-dimensional isometric view of an embodiment of astent.

FIG. 7 shows a flat pattern depiction of a stent pattern similar to thepattern of FIG. 5, in a state of expansion that is greater than thatdepicted in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 shows a flat pattern depiction of a stent pattern similar to thepattern of FIG. 7, in a state of expansion that is greater than thatdepicted in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 shows a flat pattern depiction of a stent pattern similar to thepattern of FIG. 8, in a state of expansion that is greater than thatdepicted in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 shows a flat pattern depiction of a stent pattern similar to thepattern of FIG. 9, in a state of expansion that is greater than thatdepicted in FIG. 9. The state of expansion shown can be considered astate of overexpansion.

FIG. 11 shows a flat pattern for another embodiment of a stent.

FIG. 12 shows a flat pattern for another embodiment of a stent.

FIG. 13 shows a flat pattern for another embodiment of a stent.

FIG. 14 shows a flat pattern for another embodiment of a stent.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there aredescribed in detail herein specific embodiments of the invention. Thisdescription is an exemplification of the principles of the invention andis not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodimentsillustrated.

The entire disclosure of US Patent Application Attorney Docket No.S63-13089-US01 is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The entire disclosures of U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/604,613,60/859,460 and 60/844,011 are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

For the purposes of this disclosure, like reference numerals in thefigures shall refer to like features unless otherwise indicated.

Turning to the Figures, FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show a fragmentary flat viewof an unexpanded stent configuration and the actual tubular stent(unexpanded), respectively. That is, the stent is shown for clarity inFIG. 1 in the flat and may be made from a flat pattern 10 (FIG. 1) whichis formed into a tubular shape by rolling the pattern so as to bringedges 12 and 14 together (FIG. 1). The edges may then joined as bywelding or the like to provide a configuration such as that shown inFIG. 2.

The configuration can be seen in these Figures to be made up of aplurality of adjacent segments generally indicated at 16, each of whichis formed in an undulating flexible pattern of substantially parallelstruts 18. Pairs of struts are interconnected at alternating endportions 19 a and 19 b. As is seen in FIG. 1, the interconnecting endportions 19 b of one segment are positioned opposite interconnecting endportions 19 a of adjacent segments. The end portions as shown aregenerally elliptical but may be rounded or square or pointed or thelike. Any configuration of end portions is acceptable so long as itprovides an undulating pattern, as shown. When the flat form 10 isformed into an unexpanded tube as shown in FIG. 2, the segments arecylindrical but the end portions 19 of adjacent segments remain in anopposed position relative to each other.

Interconnecting elements 20 extend from one end portion 19 of onesegment 16 to another end portion 19 of another adjacent segment 16 butnot to an oppositely positioned end portion 19 of an adjacent segment16. This results in the interconnecting elements 20 extending in anangular direction between segments around the periphery of the tubularstent.

In some embodiments, there are at least three struts included betweenthe points on each side of a segment 16 at which an interconnectingelement 20 contacts an end portion 19.

Interconnecting elements 20 are preferably of the same length but mayvary from one segment to the other. Also, the diagonal direction mayreverse from one segment to another extending upwardly in one case anddownwardly in another, although all connecting elements between any pairof segments are substantially parallel. FIG. 1, for example shows themextending downwardly, left to right. Upwardly would extend up left toright in this configuration.

As a result of this angular extension of the interconnecting elements 20between adjacent segments and loops, upon expansion of the stent as seenin FIG. 3, the closest adjacent end portions 19 between segments 16 aredisplaced from each other and are no longer opposite each other so as tominimize the possibility of binding or overlapping between segments,i.e., pinching.

The number of interconnecting elements 20 may vary depending oncircumstances in any particular instance. In some embodiments, a singleinterconnecting element 20 can span between two adjacent serpentinebands 16. In some embodiments, at least two interconnecting elements 20can span between two adjacent serpentine bands 16. As shown in FIG. 1,in some embodiments, three interconnecting elements 20 can be used.

The alternate design shown in FIG. 4 includes longer struts 18 a in thetwo end segments 16 a than in the intermediate segments 16. This allowsthe end segments (16 a) to have less compression resistance than theintermediate segments (16), providing a more gradual transition from thenative vessel to the support structure of the stent. Otherwise, theconfiguration is the same as that shown in FIG. 1.

In some embodiments, the segments 16 can also be described as serpentinebands. The interconnecting elements 20 can also be described asconnector struts. The end portions 19 can also be described as turns.End portions 19 a can also be described as proximal peaks. End portions19 b can also be described as distal valleys.

FIG. 5 shows a flat pattern for another embodiment of a stent 10 havinga proximal end 13, a distal end 15 and a plurality of serpentine bands16. Each serpentine band 16 comprises a plurality of band struts 22 anda plurality of turns 28. The band struts 22 and the turns 28 alternateas the serpentine band 16 is traversed. Thus, each band strut 22 has afirst end 21 connected to one turn 28 and a second end 23 connected toanother turn 28. Each turn 28 connects between two band struts 22 thatare adjacent to one another in a stent circumferential direction.

In some embodiments, a band strut 22 is straight along its length asshown in FIG. 5. In some other embodiments, a band strut 22 can includecurvature in one or more directions. A serpentine band 16 can furthercomprise band struts 22 that are shaped differently from one another.Other examples of possible configurations of band struts 22 aredisclosed in US Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0095208 and U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/262,692, the entire disclosures of whichare hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

The turns 28 of a serpentine band 16 comprise alternating proximal peaks24 and distal valleys 26. Each proximal peak 24 is generally convex withrespect to the proximal end 13 and concave with respect to the distalend 15 of the stent 10. Each distal valley 26 is generally convex withrespect to the distal end 15 and concave with respect to the proximalend 13 of the stent 10. Each turn 28 further comprises an inner side 41and an outer side 43. Proximal peaks 24 are oriented with the outer side43 closer to the proximal end 13 of the stent 10 than the inner side 41.Distal valleys 26 are oriented with the outer side 43 closer to thedistal end 15 of the stent 10 than the inner side 41.

A stent 10 can have any suitable number of serpentine bands 16. Invarious embodiments, a serpentine band 16 can have any suitable numberof band struts 22 and any suitable number of turns 28.

A serpentine band 16 can span any suitable distance along the length ofthe stent 10. In some embodiments, a stent 10 can comprise serpentinebands 16 that span different distances. One method for increasing alengthwise span of a serpentine band 16 is to increase the length of theband struts 22.

In some embodiments, the proximal peaks 24 of a given serpentine band 16are aligned around a common circumference of the stent 10, and thedistal valleys 26 are similarly aligned around another commoncircumference of the stent 10. Each circumference can be orientedorthogonal to a longitudinal axis 11 of the stent 10. When turns 28 arealigned around a circumference, an extremity of the outer side 43 ofeach turn 28 can abut a common reference circumference. In some otherembodiments, various peaks 24 can be offset from other peaks 24 within agiven serpentine band 16, and various valleys 26 can be offset fromother valleys 26 within the band 16.

Each band strut 22 comprises a width, which may be measured in adirection normal to the length of the strut 22. In some embodiments, allstruts 22 within a given serpentine band 16 have the same width. In someembodiments, the width of various struts 22 within a serpentine band 16can be different from one another. In some embodiments, the width of astrut 22 can change along the length of the strut 22. In someembodiments, the width of struts 22 of one serpentine band 16 can bedifferent from the width of struts 22 of another serpentine band 16.

Each turn 28 has a width, which may be measured in a direction normal tothe side of the turn 28 (e.g. normal to a tangent line). In someembodiments, the width of a turn 28 can be greater than the width of oneor more struts 22 of the stent 10. In some embodiments, the width of aturn 28 can be less than the width of one or more struts 22 of the stent10. In some embodiments, the width of a turn 28 varies from one end ofthe turn 28 to the other. For example, a turn 28 can connect to a strut22 at one end having the same width as the strut 22. The width of theturn 28 increases, and in some embodiments reaches a maximum at amidpoint of the turn 28. The width of the turn 28 then decreases to thewidth of another strut 22, which may be connected to the second end ofthe turn 28.

Serpentine bands 16 that are adjacent to one another along the length ofthe stent 10 are connected by at least one connector strut 20. In someembodiments, a connector strut 20 spans between turns 28 of adjacentserpentine bands 16. For example, a first end 25 of a connector strut 20can connect to a distal valley 26 of one serpentine band 16, and asecond end 27 of the connector strut 20 can connect to a proximal peak24 of an adjacent serpentine band 16.

Connector struts 20 can connect to any portion of a serpentine band 16.In some embodiments, a connector strut 20 connects to a turn 28 as shownin FIG. 5. In some embodiments, a connector strut 20 can connect to aband strut 22.

In some embodiments, a connector strut 20 is linear or straight alongits length. In some embodiments, a connector strut 20 can includecurvature along its length, and can further include multiple portions ofcurvature, for example a convex portion and a concave portion that maybe connected at an inflection point.

Each connector strut 20 comprises a width, which may be measured in adirection normal to the length of the strut 20. In some embodiments,every connector strut 20 has the same width. In some other embodiments,a connector strut 20 can have a width that is different from anotherconnector strut 20. In some embodiments, the width of a connector strut20 can change along the length of the strut 20.

Some further examples of configurations that can be used for connectorstruts 16 are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,261,319 and 6,478,816, andUS Published Patent Application No. 20040243216, the entire disclosuresof which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

In some embodiments, connector struts 20 comprise a first type ofconnector strut 36 and a second type of connector strut 38. A firstconnector strut 36 extends in a first direction. The first connectorstrut 36 can be oriented at a first angle to a stent lengthwise axis 11.A second connector strut 38 extends in a second direction that isdifferent than or non-parallel to the first direction. The secondconnector strut 38 can be oriented at a second angle to a stentlengthwise axis 11. In some embodiments, the first angle and the secondangle can have the same magnitude but different orientations. Forexample, a first connector strut 36 can form a 70° angle with a stentlengthwise axis 11, while a second connector strut 38 can form anegative 70° angle with the stent lengthwise axis 11. In someembodiments, a first angle may comprise a mirror image of a second angleacross a line parallel to the stent lengthwise axis 11. In someembodiments, first type of connector strut 36 can have a different shapethan second type of connector strut 38.

In some embodiments, an area of the stent 10 located between twoadjacent serpentine bands 16 can be considered a connector column 44.Each connector column 44 comprises a plurality of connector struts 20.In some embodiments, each connector strut 20 in a connector column 44can be similar to one another. For example, each connector strut 20 in afirst connector column 44 a can comprise a first type of connector strut36. Each connector strut 20 in a second connector column 44 b cancomprise a second type of connector strut 38.

In some embodiments, first connector columns 44 a and second connectorcolumns 44 b can alternate along the length of the stent 10. Thus, eachinterior serpentine band 16 can be positioned between a first connectorcolumn 44 a and a second connector column 44 b. Accordingly, connectorstruts 20 that connect to one side of a serpentine band 16 can comprisefirst connector struts 36, and connector struts 20 that connect to theother side of the serpentine band 16 can comprise second connectorstruts 38.

Turns 28 can comprise connected turns 58 or unconnected turns 55depending upon whether the turn 28 connects to a connector strut 20.Similarly, proximal peaks 24 can comprise connected proximal peaks 64 orunconnected proximal peaks 74, and distal valleys 26 can compriseconnected distal valleys 66 or unconnected distal valleys 76.

A serpentine band 16 can have more unconnected turns 55 than connectedturns 58. In some embodiments, a serpentine band 16 has threeunconnected turns 55 for each connected turn 58. The 3:1 ratio ofunconnected turns 55 to connected turns 58 can also apply to theproximal peaks 24 and to the distal valleys 26.

In some embodiments, as a serpentine band 16 is traversed, there is arepeating pattern of x number of unconnected turns 55 between oneconnected turn 58 and the next connected turn 58, and then y number ofunconnected turns until the next connected turn 58, wherein y is greaterthan x. For example, referring to FIG. 5, as a serpentine band 16 a istraversed from a first connected turn 58 a to a second connected turn 58b, there are two unconnected turns 55. Thus, x can equal two. As theserpentine band 16 a is traversed from the second connected turn 58 b toa third connected turn 58 c, there are four unconnected turns 55. Thus,y can equal four. The pattern will then repeat, with x=2 unconnectedturns 55 between the third connected turn 58 c and a fourth connectedturn 58 d, etc. In some embodiments, y is a multiple of x, for exampley=2x.

In some embodiments, starting from a connected turn 58, a serpentineband 16 can comprise three band struts 22 between the connected turn 58and the next connected turn 58 in a first direction. The serpentine band16 can further comprise five band struts 22 between the connected turn58 and the next connected turn 58 in a second direction. For example,referring to FIG. 5, a serpentine band 16 a includes three band struts22 between a connected turn 58 b and the next connected turn 58 a in afirst circumferential direction 71. The serpentine band 16 a alsoincludes five band struts 22 between the connected turn 58 b and thenext connected turn 58 c in a second circumferential direction 73.

In some embodiments, as a serpentine band 16 is traversed, there can bea repeating pattern of three band struts 22 between one connected turn58 and the next connected turn 58, and then five band struts 22 untilthe next connected turn 58. For example, referring to FIG. 5, as aserpentine band 16 a is traversed from a first connected turn 58 a to asecond connected turn 58 b, there are three band struts 22. As theserpentine band 16 a is traversed from the second connected turn 58 b toa third connected turn 58 c, there are five band struts 22. The patternwill then repeat, with three band struts 22 between the third connectedturn 58 c and a fourth connected turn 58 d, etc.

In some embodiments, an end serpentine band 16 e that is located on theproximal end 13 or the distal end 15 of the stent 10 comprises sevenunconnected turns 55 between two connected turns 58. The end serpentineband 16 e can further comprise eight band struts 22 between twoconnected turns 58.

In some embodiments, the connector struts 20 of adjacent connectorcolumns 44 are offset from one another in a stent circumferentialdirection. For example, one connector strut 20 a is offset in a stentcircumferential direction from another connector strut 20 b located inan adjacent connector column 44. Thus, in some embodiments, a referenceline 8 oriented parallel to the stent longitudinal axis 11 thatintersects one connector strut 20 a will not intersect the otherconnector strut 20 b.

The band struts 22 of a serpentine band 16 can comprise alternatingfirst band struts 22 a and second band struts 22 b. In some embodiments,each first band strut 22 a is parallel to one another as shown in theflat pattern of FIG. 5. Each second band strut 22 b is parallel to oneanother and non-parallel to the first band struts 22 a.

Serpentine bands 16 can comprise a first type of serpentine band 85 anda second type of serpentine band 89. In some embodiments, each firsttype of serpentine band 85 is aligned with one another such that similarportions of each band 85 align along the length of the stent 10. Eachsecond type of serpentine band 89 is aligned with one another such thatsimilar portions of each band 89 align along the length of the stent 10.Each first type of serpentine band 85 is offset from each second type ofserpentine band 89 such that similar portions of the different types ofbands 85, 89 are not aligned along the length of the stent.

In some embodiments, the first type of serpentine band 85 and the secondtype of serpentine band 89 can alternate along the length of the stent10. Thus, serpentine bands 16 that are located adjacent to one anotheralong the length of the stent 10 can be offset from one another in astent circumferential direction. Every other serpentine band 16 can bealigned with one another in a stent circumferential direction. Forexample, a stent 10 can comprise a first serpentine band 16 a, a secondserpentine band 16 b and a third serpentine band 16 c along its length.The first and third serpentine bands 16 a, 16 c comprise a first type ofserpentine band 85, and the second serpentine band 16 b comprises asecond type of serpentine band 89. The first serpentine band 16 a isoffset from the second serpentine band 16 b in a stent circumferentialdirection. Thus, a reference line 8 extending parallel to the stentlongitudinal axis 11 will not intersect similar portions of the firstserpentine band 16 a and the second serpentine band 16 b. As shown, thereference line 8 bisects a proximal peak 24 of the first serpentine band16 a but does not bisect a proximal peak 24 of the second serpentineband 16 b. The second serpentine band 16 b is similarly offset from thethird serpentine band 16 c. The first serpentine band 16 a and the thirdserpentine band 16 c are aligned with one another in a stentcircumferential direction. Thus, the reference line 8 bisects a proximalpeak 24 of both the first serpentine band 16 a and the third serpentineband 16 c.

One serpentine band 16 of a given type 85, 89 can have connected turns58 that are aligned with unconnected turns 55 of another serpentine band16 of the same type 85, 89 along the length of the stent 10. Forexample, the first serpentine band 16 a of FIG. 5 includes a connectedturn 58 c that is longitudinally aligned with an unconnected turn 55 aof the third serpentine band 16 c.

One serpentine band 16 of a given type 85, 89 can have connected turns58 that are offset from connected turns 58 of the next adjacentserpentine band 16 of the same type 85, 89 by one proximal peak or onedistal valley. For example, the first serpentine band 16 a of FIG. 5includes a connected proximal peak 58 c that is offset 6 from aconnected proximal peak 58 e of the third serpentine band 16 c by oneproximal peak 24. Similarly, the first serpentine band 16 a includes aconnected distal valley 58 d that is offset 7 from a connected distalvalley 58 f of the third serpentine band 16 c by one distal valley 26.Thus, in some embodiments, the connector struts 20 of adjacent similartypes of connector columns 44 a, 44 b are offset from one another in thestent circumferential direction by an amount equal to the spacing 6, 7between adjacent proximal peaks 24 or between adjacent distal valleys26.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, in some embodiments, a stent comprises atleast a first serpentine band 101, a second serpentine band 102, a thirdserpentine band 103 and a fourth serpentine band 104. Each serpentineband 101-104 comprises connected proximal peaks 64, unconnected proximalpeaks 74, connected distal valleys 66 and unconnected distal valleys 76.Each serpentine band 101-104 includes at least two unconnected proximalpeaks 74 for each connected proximal peak 64, and at least twounconnected distal valleys 76 for each connected distal valley 66.

A first connector strut 121 connects between a first connected distalvalley 130, located on the first serpentine band 101, and a connectedproximal peak 64 of the second serpentine band 102. A second connectorstrut 122 connects between the second serpentine band 102 and the thirdserpentine band 103. A third connector strut 123 connects between asecond connected distal valley 132, located on the third serpentine band103, and a connected proximal peak 64 of the fourth serpentine band 104.

The first connected distal valley 130 is circumferentially aligned witha first unconnected distal valley 116 of the third serpentine band 103.The first unconnected distal valley 116 is directly adjacent in acircumferential direction to the second connected distal valley 132.

Each connected distal valley 66 of the first serpentine band 101 iscircumferentially aligned with an unconnected distal valley 76 of thethird serpentine band 103. Further, each unconnected distal valley 76 ofthe third serpentine band 103 that is circumferentially aligned with aconnected distal valley 66 of the first serpentine band 101 is offsetfrom a connected distal valley 66 of the third serpentine band 103 in acircumferential direction by one distal valley (e.g. spacing 7 as shownon FIG. 5).

The third connector strut 123 is oriented at a non-zero angle to thestent longitudinal axis 11 and thus comprises a circumferential lengthcomponent l_(c) oriented in a stent circumferential direction. Thecircumferential length component l_(c) extends from the second connecteddistal valley 132 in a circumferential direction toward the firstunconnected distal valley 116. Thus, in some embodiments, connectorstruts 20 that connect to connected distal valleys 66 of the thirdserpentine band 103 extend at an angle to the stent longitudinal axis11, wherein the angle is oriented in the direction of an adjacentunconnected distal valley 76 (e.g. distal valley 116) that iscircumferentially aligned with a connected distal valley 66 (e.g. distalvalley 130) of the first serpentine band 101.

The second serpentine band 102 comprises three band struts 22 betweenthe first connector strut 121 and the second connector strut 122. Thus,there are three band struts 22 located between the connected distalvalley 66 that connects to the first connector strut 121 and theconnected proximal peak 64 that connects to the second connector strut122.

Each connected distal valley 66 of the second serpentine band 102 iscircumferentially aligned with an unconnected distal valley 76 of thefourth serpentine band 104. Further, each unconnected distal valley 76of the fourth serpentine band 104 that is circumferentially aligned witha connected distal valley 66 of the second serpentine band 102 is offsetfrom a connected distal valley 66 of the fourth serpentine band 104 in acircumferential direction by one distal valley (e.g. spacing 7 as shownon FIG. 5).

FIG. 6 shows a three-dimensional substantially cylindrical stent 10according to the flat pattern shown in FIG. 5. The stent 10 is shown ata nominal state of expansion and could be further reduced in diameter,for example being crimped onto a delivery catheter, or could be furtherexpanded.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a stent 10 in a state of expansion that isgreater than that of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a stent 10 in a state of expansion that isgreater than that of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a stent 10 in a state of expansion that isgreater than that of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a stent 10 in a state of expansion that isgreater than that of FIG. 9. The amount of expansion depicted can bedescribed as a state of overexpansion. Generally, a stent 10 that isactually used in a bodily vessel will be subject to less expansion thanthe amount shown in FIG. 10. However, the stent 10 pattern shown iscapable of providing vessel support even in a substantially overexpandedstate.

FIG. 11 shows a flat pattern for another embodiment of a stent 10 havinga proximal end 13, a distal end 15 and a plurality of serpentine bands16. Adjacent serpentine bands 16 are connected across a connector column44 by a plurality of connector struts 20.

The turns 28 of a serpentine band 16 comprise alternating proximal peaks24 and distal valleys 26. Each turn 28 can comprise a connected turn 58or an unconnected turn 55 depending upon whether the turn 28 connects toa connector strut 20. Similarly, proximal peaks 24 can compriseconnected proximal peaks 64 or unconnected proximal peaks 74, and distalvalleys 26 can comprise connected distal valleys 66 or unconnecteddistal valleys 76.

In some embodiments, a stent 10 comprises a first portion 46 and asecond portion 48. Each portion 46, 48 can comprise a portion of thelength of the stent 10. In some embodiments, a connector column 44located in the first portion 46 comprises more connector struts 20 thana connector column 44 located in the second portion 48. In someembodiments, a connector column 44 located in the first portion 46comprises twice as many connector struts 20 as a connector column 44located in the second portion 48. In some embodiments, each connectorcolumn 44 located in the first portion 46 comprises more connectorstruts 20 than each connector column 44 located in the second portion48.

In some embodiments, the first portion 46 comprises at least twoconnector columns 44. In some embodiments, the first portion 46comprises at least three connector columns 44.

In some embodiments, the second portion 48 comprises more connectorcolumns 44 than the first portion 46. In some embodiments, the secondportion 48 comprises at least twice as many connector columns 44 as thefirst portion 46. In some embodiments, the second portion 48 comprisesat least three times as many connector columns 44 as the first portion46.

In some embodiments, the second portion 48 comprises at least oneserpentine band 16 that comprises a repeating pattern of three bandstruts 22 and then five band struts 22 extending between connected turns58 as the serpentine band 16 is traversed (3, 5; 3, 5; 3, 5). Thus,referring to FIG. 11 and a first serpentine band 16 a, starting from afirst connected turn 58 a, the serpentine band 16 a can comprise threeband struts 22 between the first connected turn 58 a and a secondconnected turn 58 b, wherein the first and second connected turns 58 a,58 b can be considered “adjacent” connected turns 58 within theserpentine band 16 a as the serpentine band 16 a is traversed. Theserpentine band 16 a can further comprise five band struts 22 betweenthe second connected turn 58 b and a third connected turn 58 c. Thepattern can then repeat, with three band struts 22 between the thirdconnected turn 58 c and a fourth connected turn 58 d, etc.

In some embodiments, the second portion 48 comprises a plurality ofserpentine bands 16 that have the repeating pattern of three band struts22 and then five band struts 22 extending between adjacent connectedturns 58. In some embodiments, the second portion 48 can comprise atleast four, six or eight or more of such serpentine bands 16.

A serpentine band 16 can similarly comprise a repeating pattern of twounconnected turns 55 and then four unconnected turns 55 extendingbetween connected turns 58 as the serpentine band 16 is traversed (2, 4;2, 4; 2, 4). Thus, the first serpentine band 16 a can comprise twounconnected turns 55 between the first connected turn 58 a and thesecond connected turn 58 b as the serpentine band 16 a is traversed. Theserpentine band 16 a can further comprise four unconnected turns 55between the second connected turn 58 b and the third connected turn 58c. The pattern can then repeat, with two unconnected turns 55 betweenthe third connected turn 58 c and the fourth connected turn 58 d, etc.

In some embodiments, the first portion 46 comprises at least oneserpentine band 16 that comprises a repeating pattern of three bandstruts 22 and then one band strut 22 extending between connected turns58 as the serpentine band 16 is traversed (3, 1; 3, 1; 3, 1). Thus, asecond serpentine band 16 b can comprise three band struts 22 between afirst connected turn 58 e and a second connected turn 58 f, and canfurther comprise one band strut 22 between the second connected turn 58f and a third connected turn 58 g. The pattern can then repeat, withthree band struts 22 between the third connected turn 58 g and the nextconnected turn 58, etc.

In some embodiments, the first portion 46 comprises a plurality ofserpentine bands 16 that have the repeating pattern of three band struts22 and then one band strut 22 extending between adjacent connected turns58. In some embodiments, the first portion 46 can comprise at least twoor three or more of such serpentine bands 16.

A serpentine band 16 can similarly comprise a repeating pattern of twounconnected turns 55 and then zero unconnected turns 55 extendingbetween connected turns 58 as the serpentine band 16 is traversed (2, 0;2, 0; 2, 0). Thus, the second serpentine band 16 b can comprise twounconnected turns 55 between the first connected turn 58 e and thesecond connected turn 58 f as the serpentine band 16 b is traversed. Theserpentine band 16 b can further comprise zero unconnected turns 55between the second connected turn 58 f and the third connected turn 58g. The pattern can then repeat, with two unconnected turns 55 betweenthe third connected turn 58 g and the next connected turn 58, etc. Thispattern can also be described as a repeating pattern of two connectedturns 58 and then two unconnected turns 55 as the serpentine band 16 bis traversed.

In some embodiments, a stent 10 further comprises at least oneserpentine band 16 that comprises a repeating pattern of four bandstruts 22, then three band struts 22 and then one band strut 22extending between connected turns 58 as the serpentine band 16 istraversed (4, 3, 1; 4, 3, 1; 4, 3, 1). Thus, a third serpentine band 16c can comprise four band struts 22 between a first connected turn 58 hand a second connected turn 58 i, three band struts 22 between thesecond connected turn 58 i and a third connected turn 58 j, and one bandstrut 22 between the third connected turn 58 j and a fourth connectedturn 58 k. The pattern can then repeat, with four band struts 22 betweenthe fourth connected turn 58 k and the next connected turn 58, etc. Insome embodiments, such a serpentine band 16 c can comprise atransitional band between the first portion 46 and the second portion 48of the stent 10.

A serpentine band 16 c can similarly comprise a repeating pattern ofthree unconnected turns 55, then two unconnected turns 55 and then zerounconnected turns 55 extending between connected turns 58 as theserpentine band 16 c is traversed (3, 2, 0; 3, 2, 0; 3, 2, 0). Thus, thethird serpentine band 16 c can comprise three unconnected turns 55between the first connected turn 58 h and the second connected turn 58 ias the serpentine band 16 c is traversed. The serpentine band 16 c canfurther comprise two unconnected turns 55 between the second connectedturn 58 i and the third connected turn 58 j, and zero unconnected turns55 between the third connected turn 58 j and the fourth connected turn58 k. The pattern can then repeat, with three unconnected turns 55between the fourth connected turn 58 k and the next connected turn 58,etc. This pattern can also be described as a repeating pattern of twoconnected turns 58, three unconnected turns 55, one connected turn 58,and then two unconnected turns 55 as the serpentine band 16 c istraversed.

Serpentine bands 16 can comprise a first type of serpentine band 85 anda second type of serpentine band 89. In some embodiments, each firsttype of serpentine band 85 is aligned with one another such that similarportions of each band 85 align along the length of the stent 10. Forexample, a proximal peak 24 of a first type of serpentine band 85 can bealigned with a proximal peak 24 of another first type of serpentine band85 in a direction parallel to the stent longitudinal axis 11. Eachsecond type of serpentine band 89 is aligned with one another such thatsimilar portions of each band 89 align along the length of the stent 10.For example, a proximal peak 24 of a second type of serpentine band 89can be aligned with a proximal peak 24 of another second type ofserpentine band 89 in a direction parallel to the stent longitudinalaxis 11. Each first type of serpentine band 85 can be offset from eachsecond type of serpentine band 89 such that similar portions of thedifferent types of bands 85, 89 are not aligned along the length of thestent. A proximal peak 24 of a first type of serpentine band 85 canfurther be aligned with a distal valley 26 of a second type ofserpentine band 89 in a direction parallel to the stent longitudinalaxis 11.

In some embodiments, the first type of serpentine band 85 and the secondtype of serpentine band 89 can alternate along the length of the stent10.

FIG. 12 shows a flat pattern for another embodiment of a stent 10. Thepattern of FIG. 12 has many features similar to the pattern of FIG. 11,for example as indicated by like reference characters.

In some embodiments, a stent 10 comprises a first portion 46, a secondportion 48 and a third portion 50. Each portion 46, 48, 50 can comprisea portion of the length of the stent 10. In some embodiments, aconnector column 44 located in the first portion 46 or the third portion50 comprises more connector struts 20 than a connector column 44 locatedin the second portion 48. In some embodiments, a connector column 44located in the first portion 46 or the third portion 50 comprises twiceas many connector struts 20 as a connector column 44 located in thesecond portion 48. In some embodiments, each connector column 44 locatedin the first portion 46 or the third portion 50 comprises more connectorstruts 20 than each connector column 44 located in the second portion48. In some embodiments, a connector column 44 located in the thirdportion 50 comprises the same number of connector struts 20 as aconnector column 44 located in the first portion 46. In someembodiments, the first portion 46 and the third portion 50 can haveconnector columns 44 with different numbers of connectors.

In some embodiments, the third portion 50 comprises at least twoconnector columns 44. In some embodiments, the third portion 50comprises at least three connector columns 44.

In some embodiments, the second portion 48 comprises more connectorcolumns 44 than either the first portion 46 or the third portion 50. Insome embodiments, the second portion 48 comprises at least twice as manyconnector columns 44 than either the first portion 46 or the thirdportion 50. In some embodiments, the second portion 48 comprises moreconnector columns 44 than the first portion 46 and the third portion 50combined.

In some embodiments, the third portion 50 comprises at least oneserpentine band 16 that comprises a repeating pattern of three bandstruts 22 and then one band strut 22 extending between connected turns58 as the serpentine band 16 is traversed (3, 1; 3, 1; 3, 1).

In some embodiments, the third portion 50 comprises a plurality ofserpentine bands 16 that have the repeating pattern of three band struts22 and then one band strut 22 extending between adjacent connected turns58. In some embodiments, the third portion 50 can comprise at least twoor three or more of such serpentine bands 16.

A serpentine band 16 can similarly comprise a repeating pattern of twounconnected turns 55 and then zero unconnected turns 55 extendingbetween connected turns 58 as the serpentine band 16 is traversed (2, 0;2, 0; 2, 0).

In some embodiments, a stent 10 further comprises one or more serpentineband(s) 16 that comprise a repeating pattern of four band struts 22,then three band struts 22 and then one band strut 22 extending betweenconnected turns 58 as the serpentine band 16 is traversed (4, 3, 1; 4,3, 1; 4, 3, 1). For example, FIG. 12 shows one such band 16 c positionedin a transition between the first region 46 and the second region 48,and another such band 16 d positioned in a transition between the secondregion 48 and the third region 50. Further, bands 16 c and 16 d can havedifferent orientations. For example, band 16 c comprises a second typeof band 89 with the repeating pattern extending in one circumferentialdirection (e.g. downward on FIG. 12), while band 16 d comprises a firsttype of band 85 with the repeating pattern extending in a differentcircumferential direction (e.g. upward on FIG. 12).

A serpentine band 16 c, 16 d can similarly comprise a repeating patternof three unconnected turns 55, then two unconnected turns 55 and thenzero unconnected turns 55 extending between connected turns 58 as theserpentine band 16 c is traversed (3, 2, 0; 3, 2, 0; 3, 2, 0).

FIG. 13 shows a flat pattern for another embodiment of a stent 10 havinga proximal end 13, a distal end 15 and a plurality of serpentine bands16. Adjacent serpentine bands 16 are connected across a connector column44 by a plurality of connector struts 20.

The turns 28 of a serpentine band 16 comprise alternating proximal peaks24 and distal valleys 26. Each turn 28 can comprise a connected turn 58or an unconnected turn 55 depending upon whether the turn 28 connects toa connector strut 20. Similarly, proximal peaks 24 can compriseconnected proximal peaks 64 or unconnected proximal peaks 74, and distalvalleys 26 can comprise connected distal valleys 66 or unconnecteddistal valleys 76.

In some embodiments, a stent 10 comprises a first portion 46 and asecond portion 48. Each portion 46, 48 can comprise a portion of thelength of the stent 10. In some embodiments, a connector column 44located in the first portion 46 comprises more connector struts 20 thana connector column 44 located in the second portion 48. In someembodiments, a connector column 44 located in the first portion 46comprises at least 1.5 times as many connector struts 20 as a connectorcolumn 44 located in the second portion 48. In some embodiments, eachconnector column 44 located in the first portion 46 comprises moreconnector struts 20 than each connector column 44 located in the secondportion 48.

In some embodiments, the first portion 46 comprises at least twoconnector columns 44. In some embodiments, the first portion 46comprises at least three connector columns 44.

In some embodiments, the second portion 48 comprises more connectorcolumns 44 than the first portion 46. In some embodiments, the secondportion 48 comprises at least twice as many connector columns 44 as thefirst portion 46.

In some embodiments, the second portion 48 comprises at least oneserpentine band 16 that comprises a repeating pattern of three bandstruts 22 extending between connected turns 58 as the serpentine band 16is traversed (3; 3; 3; 3). Thus, referring to FIG. 13 and a firstserpentine band 16 a, starting from a first connected turn 58 a, theserpentine band 16 a can comprise three band struts 22 between the firstconnected turn 58 a and a second connected turn 58 b, wherein the firstand second connected turns 58 a, 58 b can be considered “adjacent”connected turns 58 within the serpentine band 16 a as the serpentineband 16 a is traversed. The serpentine band 16 a can further comprisethree band struts 22 between the second connected turn 58 b and a thirdconnected turn 58 c, and then three band struts 22 between the thirdconnected turn 58 c and the next connected turn 58, etc.

In some embodiments, the second portion 48 comprises a plurality ofserpentine bands 16 that have the repeating pattern of three band struts22 extending between adjacent connected turns 58. In some embodiments,the second portion 48 can comprise at least two, four or six or more ofsuch serpentine bands 16 a.

A serpentine band 16 can similarly comprise a repeating pattern of twounconnected turns 55 extending between connected turns 58 as theserpentine band 16 is traversed (2; 2; 2; 2). Thus, the first serpentineband 16 a can comprise two unconnected turns 55 between the firstconnected turn 58 a and the second connected turn 58 b, then twounconnected turns 55 between the second connected turn 58 b and thethird connected turn 58 c, etc.

In some embodiments, the first portion 46 comprises at least oneserpentine band 16 that comprises a repeating pattern of three bandstruts 22 and then one band strut 22 extending between connected turns58 as the serpentine band 16 is traversed (3, 1; 3, 1; 3, 1). Thus, asecond serpentine band 16 b can comprise three band struts 22 between afirst connected turn 58 e and a second connected turn 58 f, and canfurther comprise one band strut 22 between the second connected turn 58f and a third connected turn 58 g. The pattern can then repeat, withthree band struts 22 between the third connected turn 58 g and the nextconnected turn 58, etc.

In some embodiments, the first portion 46 comprises a plurality ofserpentine bands 16 that have the repeating pattern of three band struts22 and then one band strut 22 extending between adjacent connected turns58. In some embodiments, the first portion 46 can comprise at least twoor three or more of such serpentine bands 16.

A serpentine band 16 can similarly comprise a repeating pattern of twounconnected turns 55 and then zero unconnected turns 55 extendingbetween connected turns 58 as the serpentine band 16 is traversed (2, 0;2, 0; 2, 0). Thus, the second serpentine band 16 b can comprise twounconnected turns 55 between the first connected turn 58 e and thesecond connected turn 58 f as the serpentine band 16 b is traversed. Theserpentine band 16 b can further comprise zero unconnected turns 55between the second connected turn 58 f and the third connected turn 58g. The pattern can then repeat, with two unconnected turns 55 betweenthe third connected turn 58 g and the next connected turn 58, etc. Thispattern can also be described as a repeating pattern of two connectedturns 58 and then two unconnected turns 55 as the serpentine band 16 bis traversed.

In some embodiments, a stent 10 further comprises at least oneserpentine band 16 that comprises a repeating pattern of three bandstruts 22, then one band strut 22, then four band struts 22, then oneband strut 22 and then three band struts 22 extending between connectedturns 58 as the serpentine band 16 is traversed (3, 1, 4, 1, 3; 3, 1, 4,1, 3). Thus, a third serpentine band 16 f can comprise three band struts22 between a first connected turn 58 h and a second connected turn 58 i,one band strut 22 between the second connected turn 58 i and a thirdconnected turn 58 j, four band struts 22 between the third connectedturn 58 j and a fourth connected turn 58 k, one band strut 22 betweenthe fourth connected turn 58 k and a fifth connected turn 58 l, andthree band struts 22 between the fifth connected turn 58 l and a sixthconnected turn 58 m. The pattern can then repeat, with three band struts22 between the sixth connected turn 58 m and the next connected turn 58,etc. In some embodiments, such a serpentine band 16 f can comprise atransitional band between the first portion 46 and the second portion 48of the stent 10.

A serpentine band 16 f can similarly comprise a repeating pattern of twounconnected turns 55, then zero unconnected turns 55, then threeunconnected turns 55, then zero connected turns 55 and then twounconnected turns 55 extending between connected turns 58 as theserpentine band 16 f is traversed (2, 0, 3, 0, 2; 2, 0, 3, 0, 2). Thus,the third serpentine band 16 f can comprise two unconnected turns 55between the first connected turn 58 h and the second connected turn 58 ias the serpentine band 16 f is traversed. The serpentine band 16 f canfurther comprise zero unconnected turns 55 between the second connectedturn 58 i and the third connected turn 58 j, three unconnected turns 55between the third connected turn 58 j and the fourth connected turn 58k, zero unconnected turns 55 between the fourth connected turn 58 k andthe fifth connected turn 58 l, and two unconnected turns 55 between thefifth connected turn 58 l and the sixth connected turn 58 m. The patterncan then repeat, with two unconnected turns 55 between the sixthconnected turn 58 m and the next connected turn 58, etc. This patterncan also be described as a repeating pattern of two unconnected turns55, two connected turns 58, three unconnected turns 55, two connectedturns 58, two unconnected turns 55 and then one connected turn 58 as theserpentine band 16 f is traversed.

Serpentine bands 16 can comprise a first type of serpentine band 85 anda second type of serpentine band 89. In some embodiments, each firsttype of serpentine band 85 is aligned with one another such that similarportions of each band 85 align along the length of the stent 10. Forexample, a proximal peak 24 of a first type of serpentine band 85 can bealigned with a proximal peak 24 of another first type of serpentine band85 in a direction parallel to the stent longitudinal axis 11. Eachsecond type of serpentine band 89 is aligned with one another such thatsimilar portions of each band 89 align along the length of the stent 10.For example, a proximal peak 24 of a second type of serpentine band 89can be aligned with a proximal peak 24 of another second type ofserpentine band 89 in a direction parallel to the stent longitudinalaxis 11. Each first type of serpentine band 85 can be offset from eachsecond type of serpentine band 89 such that similar portions of thedifferent types of bands 85, 89 are not aligned along the length of thestent. A proximal peak 24 of a first type of serpentine band 85 canfurther be aligned with a distal valley 26 of a second type ofserpentine band 89 in a direction parallel to the stent longitudinalaxis 11.

In some embodiments, the first type of serpentine band 85 and the secondtype of serpentine band 89 can alternate along the length of the stent10.

FIG. 14 shows a flat pattern for another embodiment of a stent 10. Thepattern of FIG. 14 has many features similar to the pattern of FIG. 13,for example as indicated by like reference characters.

In some embodiments, a stent 10 comprises a first portion 46, a secondportion 48 and a third portion 50. Each portion 46, 48, 50 can comprisea portion of the length of the stent 10. In some embodiments, aconnector column 44 located in the first portion 46 or the third portion50 comprises more connector struts 20 than a connector column 44 locatedin the second portion 48. In some embodiments, a connector column 44located in the first portion 46 or the third portion 50 comprises twiceas many connector struts 20 as a connector column 44 located in thesecond portion 48. In some embodiments, each connector column 44 locatedin the first portion 46 or the third portion 50 comprises more connectorstruts 20 than each connector column 44 located in the second portion48. In some embodiments, a connector column 44 located in the thirdportion 50 comprises the same number of connector struts 20 as aconnector column 44 located in the first portion 46. In someembodiments, the first portion 46 and the third portion 50 can haveconnector columns 44 with different numbers of connectors.

In some embodiments, the third portion 50 comprises at least twoconnector columns 44. In some embodiments, the third portion 50comprises at least three connector columns 44.

In some embodiments, the second portion 48 comprises more connectorcolumns 44 than either the first portion 46 or the third portion 50. Insome embodiments, the second portion 48 comprises at least twice as manyconnector columns 44 than either the first portion 46 or the thirdportion 50. In some embodiments, the second portion 48 comprises moreconnector columns 44 than the first portion 46 and the third portion 50combined.

In some embodiments, the third portion 50 comprises at least oneserpentine band 16 that comprises a repeating pattern of three bandstruts 22 and then one band strut 22 extending between connected turns58 as the serpentine band 16 is traversed (3, 1; 3, 1; 3, 1).

In some embodiments, the third portion 50 comprises a plurality ofserpentine bands 16 that have the repeating pattern of three band struts22 and then one band strut 22 extending between adjacent connected turns58. In some embodiments, the third portion 50 can comprise at least twoor three or more of such serpentine bands 16.

A serpentine band 16 can similarly comprise a repeating pattern of twounconnected turns 55 and then zero unconnected turns 55 extendingbetween connected turns 58 as the serpentine band 16 is traversed (2, 0;2, 0; 2, 0).

In some embodiments, a stent 10 further comprises one or more serpentineband(s) 16 that comprise a repeating pattern of three band struts 22,then one band strut 22, then four band struts 22, then one band strut 22and then three band struts 22 extending between connected turns 58 asthe serpentine band 16 is traversed (3, 1, 4, 1, 3; 3, 1, 4, 1, 3). Forexample, FIG. 14 shows one such band 16 f positioned in a transitionbetween the first region 46 and the second region 48, and another suchband 16 g positioned in a transition between the second region 48 andthe third region 50. Further, bands 16 f and 16 g can have differentorientations. For example, band 16 f comprises a second type of band 89,while band 16 g comprises a first type of band 85.

A serpentine band 16 f, 16 g can similarly comprise a repeating patternof two unconnected turns 55, then zero unconnected turns 55, then threeunconnected turns 55, then zero connected turns 55 and then twounconnected turns 55 extending between connected turns 58 as theserpentine band 16 f, 16 g is traversed (2, 0, 3, 0, 2; 2, 0, 3, 0, 2).

The inventive stents may be made from any suitable biocompatiblematerials including one or more polymers, one or more metals orcombinations of polymer(s) and metal(s). Examples of suitable materialsinclude biodegradable materials that are also biocompatible. In someembodiments, a stent can have one or more components constructed fromone or more metals, polymers or combinations thereof that are corrodibleso as to dissolve, dissociate or otherwise break down in the bodywithout ill effect. Examples of such materials have been referred to asbeing degradable, biodegradable, biologically degradable, erodable,bioabsorbable, bioresorbable, and the like. Biodegradable material willgenerally undergo breakdown or decomposition into harmless compounds aspart of a normal biological process. Suitable biodegradable materialsinclude polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid (PGA), collagen or otherconnective proteins or natural materials, polycaprolactone, hylauricacid, adhesive proteins, co-polymers of these materials as well ascomposites and combinations thereof and combinations of otherbiodegradable polymers. Other polymers that may be used includepolyester and polycarbonate copolymers. Examples of suitable metalsinclude, but are not limited to, stainless steel, titanium, tantalum,platinum, tungsten, gold and alloys of any of the above-mentionedmetals. Examples of suitable alloys include platinum-iridium alloys,cobalt-chromium alloys including Elgiloy and Phynox, MP35N alloy andnickel-titanium alloys, for example, Nitinol. Some further examples ofbiodegradable alloys, such as magnesium alloys and zinc alloys, aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,854,172 and US 2006/0052864, the entirecontents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The inventive stents may be made of shape memory materials such assuperelastic Nitinol or spring steel, or may be made of materials whichare plastically deformable. In the case of shape memory materials, thestent may be provided with a memorized shape and then deformed to areduced diameter shape. The stent may restore itself to its memorizedshape upon being heated to a transition temperature and having anyrestraints removed therefrom.

The inventive stents may be created by methods including cutting oretching a design from a tubular stock, from a flat sheet which is cut oretched and which is subsequently rolled or from one or more interwovenwires or braids. Any other suitable technique which is known in the artor which is subsequently developed may also be used to manufacture theinventive stents disclosed herein.

In some embodiments the stent, the delivery system or other portion ofthe assembly may include one or more areas, bands, coatings, members,etc. that is (are) detectable by imaging modalities such as X-Ray, MRI,ultrasound, etc. In some embodiments at least a portion of the stentand/or adjacent assembly is at least partially radiopaque.

In some embodiments the at least a portion of the stent is configured toinclude one or more mechanisms for the delivery of a therapeutic agent.Often the agent will be in the form of a coating or other layer (orlayers) of material placed on a surface region of the stent, which isadapted to be released at the site of the stent's implantation or areasadjacent thereto.

A therapeutic agent may be a drug or other pharmaceutical product suchas non-genetic agents, genetic agents, cellular material, etc. Someexamples of suitable non-genetic therapeutic agents include but are notlimited to: anti-thrombogenic agents such as heparin, heparinderivatives, vascular cell growth promoters, growth factor inhibitors,Paclitaxel, etc. Some other examples of therapeutic agents includeeverolimus and sirolimus, their analogs and conjugates. Where an agentincludes a genetic therapeutic agent, such a genetic agent may includebut is not limited to: DNA, RNA and their respective derivatives and/orcomponents; hedgehog proteins, etc. Where a therapeutic agent includescellular material, the cellular material may include but is not limitedto: cells of human origin and/or non-human origin as well as theirrespective components and/or derivatives thereof Where the therapeuticagent includes a polymer agent, the polymer agent may be apolystyrene-polyisobutylene-polystyrene triblock copolymer (SIBS),polyethylene oxide, silicone rubber and/or any other suitable substrate.

The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive.This description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one ofordinary skill in this art. The various elements shown in the individualfigures and described above may be combined or modified for combinationas desired. All these alternatives and variations are intended to beincluded within the scope of the claims where the term “comprising”means “including, but not limited to”.

Further, the particular features presented in the dependent claims canbe combined with each other in other manners within the scope of theinvention such that the invention should be recognized as alsospecifically directed to other embodiments having any other possiblecombination of the features of the dependent claims. For instance, forpurposes of claim publication, any dependent claim which follows shouldbe taken as alternatively written in a multiple dependent form from allprior claims which possess all antecedents referenced in such dependentclaim if such multiple dependent format is an accepted format within thejurisdiction (e.g. each claim depending directly from claim 1 should bealternatively taken as depending from all previous claims). Injurisdictions where multiple dependent claim formats are restricted, thefollowing dependent claims should each be also taken as alternativelywritten in each singly dependent claim format which creates a dependencyfrom a prior antecedent-possessing claim other than the specific claimlisted in such dependent claim below. This completes the description ofthe invention. Those skilled in the art may recognize other equivalentsto the specific embodiment described herein which equivalents areintended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto.

1. A stent comprising a plurality of serpentine bands and a plurality ofconnector columns, each serpentine band comprising a plurality ofalternating straight band struts and turns, adjacent serpentine bandsconnected across a connector column by a plurality of connector struts,each connector strut connected at one end to a turn of one serpentineband and connected at the other end to a turn of another serpentineband, the turns of a serpentine band comprising connected turns thatconnect to a connector strut and unconnected turns that do not connectto a connector strut; at least one serpentine band comprising arepeating pattern of three band struts and then five band strutsextending between connected turns as the serpentine band is traversed;and at least one serpentine band comprising a repeating pattern of threeband struts and then one band strut extending between connected turns asthe serpentine band is traversed.
 2. The stent of claim 1, wherein aserpentine band comprises a repeating pattern of four band struts, thenthree band struts and then one band strut extending between connectedturns as the serpentine band is traversed.
 3. The stent of claim 1,wherein a plurality of the serpentine bands comprise a repeating patternof three band struts and then five band struts extending betweenconnected turns.
 4. The stent of claim 1, wherein a plurality of theserpentine bands comprise a repeating pattern of three band struts andthen one band strut extending between connected turns.
 5. The stent ofclaim 1, comprising a first length portion and a second length portion,wherein a connector column in the first length portion comprises moreconnector struts than a connector column in the second length portion.6. The stent of claim 5, wherein each connector column in the firstlength portion comprises more connector struts than each connectorcolumn in the second length portion.
 7. The stent of claim 6, whereinthe first length portion comprises at least two connector columns. 8.The stent of claim 1, wherein the connector columns comprise firstconnector columns and second connector columns, connector struts of thefirst connector columns being parallel to one another, connector strutsof the second connector columns being nonparallel to the connectorstruts of the first connector columns.
 9. The stent of claim 8, whereinfirst connector columns and second connector columns alternate along thelength of the stent.
 10. The stent of claim 1, wherein the turns of eachserpentine band comprise alternating proximal peaks and distal valleys,the proximal peaks of one serpentine band aligned in a stent axialdirection with the distal valleys of an adjacent serpentine band.
 11. Astent comprising a plurality of serpentine bands and a plurality ofconnector columns, each serpentine band comprising a plurality ofalternating straight band struts and turns, adjacent serpentine bandsconnected across a connector column by a plurality of connector struts,each connector strut connected at one end to a turn of one serpentineband and connected at the other end to a turn of another serpentineband, the turns of a serpentine band comprising connected turns thatconnect to a connector strut and unconnected turns that do not connectto a connector strut; at least one serpentine band comprising arepeating pattern of three band struts extending between connected turnsas the serpentine band is traversed; and at least one serpentine bandcomprising a repeating pattern of three band struts and then one bandstrut extending between connected turns as the serpentine band istraversed.
 12. The stent of claim 11, wherein a serpentine bandcomprises a repeating pattern of three band struts, one band strut, fourband struts, one band strut, and then three band struts extendingbetween connected turns as the serpentine band is traversed.
 13. Thestent of claim 11, wherein a plurality of the serpentine bands comprisea repeating pattern of three band struts extending between connectedturns.
 14. The stent of claim 11, wherein a plurality of the serpentinebands comprise a repeating pattern of three band struts and then oneband strut extending between connected turns.
 15. The stent of claim 11,comprising a first length portion and a second length portion, wherein aconnector column in the first length portion comprises more connectorstruts than a connector column in the second length portion.
 16. Thestent of claim 15, wherein each connector column in the first lengthportion comprises more connector struts than each connector column inthe second length portion.
 17. The stent of claim 16, wherein the firstlength portion comprises at least two connector columns.
 18. The stentof claim 11, wherein the connector columns comprise first connectorcolumns and second connector columns, connector struts of the firstconnector columns being parallel to one another, connector struts of thesecond connector columns being nonparallel to the connector struts ofthe first connector columns.
 19. The stent of claim 18, wherein firstconnector columns and second connector columns alternate along thelength of the stent.
 20. The stent of claim 11, wherein the turns ofeach serpentine band comprise alternating proximal peaks and distalvalleys, the proximal peaks of one serpentine band aligned in a stentaxial direction with the distal valleys of an adjacent serpentine band.